Jens Saturday =)

This past Saturday I had a 22 miler to run. (I originally was supposed to run Thursday but the rain was just too much, and there was NO way I was doing this on the dreadmill) I was volunteering at the 5k Families Supporting Adoption race and then I had a golf date with my hubster scheduled..... BUSY day.

Well, I got almost all of it finished except the golf.  It rained.  Anywhoo, in order to get all of this done I had to wake up at 3AM people.  Thats right. It was early. My little boy Peter was staying at his cousins for the night so it I had my hubster run the first 7 or so miles with me.  It was still pitch dark then and I am kinda scared to run that early by myself......

I had him take a picture of me because typically when I run early I am the only one around and so he graciously agreed and when he was finished I was like, "so did I look cute?" he was like, "for sure" but obviously he had not cleaned the sleep out of his eyes because this picture of me suks. But who cares. I had been wanting an early bird picture of me for a while so at least I finally got one. Oh and that is my beastie dog Grisz who I do love but is kind of annoying to run with......

Then after the run, (which felt pretty good I suppose. I stopped by running club and thought I'd attempt to do the workout with them in the middle of my 22 but ended up making my way home early because the thought of so many more miles mixed with lots of speed just wore me out). After the run I busted it home changed clothes and rode my bike over to the drink station I was to be in charge of for the adoption 5k. It was SOOO much fun =) The course was not easy and it was so inspiring to see all these people out supporting a good cause.

The arrow is pointing to me cheering people on =) I do realize I was supposed to help with the drink station but cheering for people was just TOO much fun.  Thanks Jarrie for holding down the drink stop while I wandered.

It was cold and then it started to sprinkle so instead of golfing we decided to go to the mall eat to lunch and wander.  I am so happy Dan (my hubster) does not mind going to the mall and just seeing whats out there =) Growing up as a family we did this lots and I don't know why but I find it comforting..... So I wandered into the Gap and found some cute shorts for only 25 bucks and was in line to purchase.  But after waiting for what seemed like an eternity I bailed.  Too bad for The Gap....

Then after browsing the mall we did the next best thing and went to one of my local running stores. Yep, below is a picture of me sporting my new arm warmers. I actually wanted to buy some for my run Saturday but ran out of time, so although I am not sure when the next time I will need them is I know I eventually will and that was reason enough.

I also purchased my new favorite refueling tool, Cherry Lime flavored Roctane.  Its is FAB, just as good if not better then the Jet Blackberry GU..... give it a try I say.

Anyways, it was a great Saturday and now onto this week.  Here is my workout for this week if anyone wants to join me.

Today: 5 Miles slow
Tuesday: 10 Miles with tempo (2x2 miles at 10k pace with 5 minute recovery followed by 2x1 mile repeats at 10k pace with 3-4 minute recovery)
Wednesday: Swim class (YAY) and hopefully some Yoga
Thursday: 18 miles with 12@ marathon pace
Friday: I dunno yet, probably practicing my swimming and some yoga.
Saturday: Match and Move Fartlek....not sure what this is, I will show up to running club and find out I suppose.


Happy Running -Jen

The Westminster 13.1

This Saturday I am running a 1/2 marathon. I have set a goal for myself that I know I am physically capable of doing. BUT, that being said I am still a very big beginner when it comes to racing and although your body can handle something your own brain can end up becoming your worst enemy.

For this race I decided, it is time to tell my brain who is boss and run "Guns to the Max" (One of my friends uses that saying and I just happen to really like it).  Now, you must understand that I am currently training for a marathon (Grandmas) and I have not done any specific training for this race.  My tempo runs are at marathon pace and my long runs are slow.  I do a speed workout twice a week with my running club (which I absolutely LOVE) and I am hoping that all of this mixed together will end up giving me a good overall time.

So, of course I am nervous.  And what happens to me when I get nervous........ I dunno, I go to pick up my race packet and end up purchasing all kinds of goodies that I don't need.... but of course it is OK because I got an additional 25% off.  All the stuff you see below is a variety of what I do typically use when running a marathon.  I haven't found my favorite cocktail of GU, Sport Beans, Roctane, shot bloks, etc. so I decided to add to my current collection (which as I hope you imagine is plenty big and I will be running several marathons before I actually go through all of it). Oh, and the extra socks and grid foam roller just happened to end up in my pile while checking out.  oopps.

During the 1/2 I will most likely use at most 2 GU's or something of that nature.  On a side note, today I went for a slow recovery run, only ate a Yogurt before thinking I would feel fine.  During the middle of the run I ended up having a blood sugar issue.  So I found some gobstoppers, pounded about 5 and felt a ton better.  Now I am wondering, do I just mostly need sugar? or is all the extra stuff found in GU, etc. really necessary? I dunno, I bought plenty of both and decided I will carry some sour patch kids with me just as a chaser in case I am feeling on a sugar low.  With 36g of sugar per serving, I think I will be fine. cheers.=)

I get nervous before every single speed or tempo run as it is, let along an actual race.  I am typically not the competitive type.  I would consider it a weakness of mine. But I would like to turn that weakness into a strength and sooooo on we go. WISH ME LUCK=) and for all of you Colorado peeps who live somewhere near Westminster come run! It is a small race and very reasonably priced.

Come on out Colorado Runners, it will be a great way to start your spring running season.